Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast

Social Progress Imperative
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Insight and inspiration on making the right choices for people and planet. We feature bold conversations with global leaders and innovators from government, businesses, community advocacy, foundations, and more who are charting a path for inclusive growth and sustainability. Hosted by Michael Green, CEO at Social Progress Imperative, we explore how the world must move beyond GDP metrics and economic growth to truly improve the social and environmental wellbeing of communities. ©Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast is an essential listening for decision-makers ready to do things differently.

  1. Jul 8

    Mental Health: Our Forgotten Civil Right

    Why does treating mental health as a civil rights cause matter?  In this episode of Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast, host Michael Green explores with guest Jono Wilde the urgent need to rethink how society treats mental health, sharing how decades of neglect and stigma have cost us millions of lives and constant suffering.  Jono, Executive Director at The Good Life Movement, talks about how treating mental health as a civil rights movement is the solution. Imagine if mental health isn't just treated medically but protected as fundamental human rights. Jono shares a bold framework that could revolutionize mental health policy in the U.S. and beyond. It covers everything from anti-discrimination protections to youth education, community funding, innovative research and more.  This episode also offers clear solutions and ideas on how we can all support this movement. Advocating for systemic change isn’t easy, but each one of us can make a difference if we address the issue at the root. Tune in to learn how talking openly, investing wisely, and enacting civil rights legislation can transform mental health care and save lives.  Explore the full Mental Health Civil Rights Bill as part of The Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness Act led by the Good Life Movement: https://goodlifemovement.org/ C-Suite PerspectivesElevate how you lead with insight from today’s most influential executives.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Please follow and rate our show!  Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more.  Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now!  Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

  2. Jun 30

    Top U.S. States in Quality of Life

    Michael Green explores the key factors that influence where people choose to live. From safety to education, and health, discover what truly matters when selecting which U.S. state is better to live in. Discover the top five states in America for quality of life, as ranked by the U.S. Social Progress Map, and learn about the unique strengths and challenges of each. Whether you're considering a move, business opportunities or simply curious about the best places to live, this short clip offers valuable insights and data-driven recommendations. Find how your state, city and neighborhood are performing on social progress at https://www.socialprogress.org/us Please follow and rate our show!  Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more.  Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now!  Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

  3. Jun 30

    Ranking America's Big Cities on Quality of Life

    In this series, we explore the best big cities in America for quality of life, not just by income but by real quality indicators of societal wellbeing. Discover which of the biggest cities in the U.S. with a population of more than a million people like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Phoenix, offer the best living conditions.  From safety and education to housing and rights, we rank these cities to help you find your ideal home or next business investment. Tune in to see why Chicago takes the top spot and learn more about the surprising differences between big cities and smaller towns. Explore the U.S. Social Progress Map and access social progress data for all states, the 500 largest cities and their 32,000 neighborhoods. Register Now: https://www.socialprogress.org/us  Please follow and rate our show!  Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more.  Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now!  Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

  4. Jun 30

    Best Cities to Live In America: Top 5 cities in the U.S

    Michael Green explores the best cities to live in America, focusing on what truly matters: safety, education, healthcare, and social wellbeing.  Discover the top five cities in the United States, including Folsom, Newton, Centennial, Pleasanton, and San Ramon. Learn why these cities excel in social progress and what makes them stand out.  Please follow and rate our show!  Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more.  Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now!  Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

  5. Jun 29

    The Resilience of Pakistan’s Social Progress Amid Crises

    How is Pakistan quietly changing from within? With a population of 250 million and positioned at the crossroads of South Asia and the Middle East, Pakistan's social and economic progress significantly influences regional stability and global growth.  Host Michael Green sits down with development economist Sheheryar Khan (University of Bari and Researcher at the Social Progress Imperative) to look beyond traditional economic metrics and assess the true state of social progress in Pakistan.  In the interview, we challenge common narratives about Pakistan and share insights into real progress amid adversity.  Pakistan's current social progress ranking is 142nd out of 171 countries, comparable to Nigeria or Malawi. Its economic resources have yet to fully translate into quality-of-life improvements for its citizens. Over the past 15 years, Pakistan's social progress has grown modestly, about 5 points on the Social Progress Index, but stagnation since 2019 signals ongoing challenges. Michael and Shahreya discuss:  How Pakistan’s diversity, a strength and a challenge, requires innovative approaches for progress to truly take hold.The importance of addressing regional disparities between urban centers like Islamabad and rural provinces.The gap between basic primary school funding and higher education success.Why local community cohesion keeps daily life remarkably safe despite national security reputations.wThe true state of rights, inclusion and environmental quality in the country. How a special income support program, a massive digitalization push, and a solar energy transition are quietly improving nutrition, basic healthcare, and housing.While Pakistan's social progress has been uneven and beset by setbacks, it also possesses deep resilience and immense potential. This episode is perfect for policymakers, development enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the stories behind a nation in transition.  C-Suite PerspectivesElevate how you lead with insight from today’s most influential executives.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Please follow and rate our show!  Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more.  Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now!  Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

    The Resilience of Pakistan’s Social Progress Amid Crises

  6. Jun 23

    Happy Birthday USA! Has America Delivered On Its Promise?

    America's 250-year legacy isn't just about survival, it's about how well it delivers on the promises of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Shockingly, the U.S. earns a failing grade in these core areas, despite its economic greatness. But what does this mean for America's future, and can it turn things around? Using the Social Progress Index, Michael Green shares new insights on how America has progressed since 1990 to today. He compares America to similarly income-level countries, including some European ones, to highlight areas where the country is struggling and should be doing better. Michael analyzes all the details, from education to safety and health, to see why the United States' quality of life has been declining since 2011. Happy Birthday to the USA! We hope that you continue working to deliver your promise: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness for everyone. Explore the U.S. Social Progress Map covering all 50 states, the largest 500 cities and its 32,000 census tracts. https://www.socialprogress.org/us Do you prefer to have a broad view of the United States? Navigate the results of the Global Social Progress Index. https://www.socialprogress.org/social-progress-index Please follow and rate our show!  Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more.  Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now!  Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

    Happy Birthday USA! Has America Delivered On Its Promise?

  7. Jun 18

    Part 2: How to Heal Divisions in Our Society

    Why is the history of modern Britain failing our children, and how is that space being exploited by extre()mists? In Part 2 of this episode of Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast, host Michael green welcomes back Anwar Akhtar, Director of Samosa Media, for a powerful conversation on education, "cultural capital," and the fight against radical narratives on both the left and the right. Anwar breaks down two massive, yet widely ignored, historical milestones that he believes should be taught in every primary and secondary school. Anwar also tackles the pragmatics of the modern "culture fights," explaining why Samosa Media intentionally campaigns to "diversify" rather than "decolonize" the curriculum to build common dialogue instead of institutional gridlock. Finally, they look at the evolution of British policing and why history remains our strongest immunization against extrem()ism. Don't miss out on Part One!  C-Suite PerspectivesElevate how you lead with insight from today’s most influential executives.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Please follow and rate our show!  Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more.  Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now!  Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

  8. Jun 18

    Part 1: How to Heal Divisions in Our Society

    Can culture and history save us from growing societal divisions? Michael Green invites Anwar Akhtar in this week's episode. This episode is divided into 2 parts.  Anwar shares his front-line experiences working with Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in Britain. From analyzing the impact of global events and the rise of Islam(o)-phobia to exploring the historical ties of trade, empire, and migration that shaped cities like Manchester, this conversation challenges how we view integration today. We also explore the power of diverse representation in the arts and education. Anwar discusses producing the groundbreaking play Dara for the National Theatre, the first Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu history play on its main stage, and explains why diversifying the school curriculum is vital to preventing the alienation of working-class youth. Don't miss out on Part 2!  Please follow and rate our show!  Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more.  Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now!  Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Insight and inspiration on making the right choices for people and planet. We feature bold conversations with global leaders and innovators from government, businesses, community advocacy, foundations, and more who are charting a path for inclusive growth and sustainability. Hosted by Michael Green, CEO at Social Progress Imperative, we explore how the world must move beyond GDP metrics and economic growth to truly improve the social and environmental wellbeing of communities. ©Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast is an essential listening for decision-makers ready to do things differently.

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